Animal Behaviour and Welfare BSc (Hons)

About the course

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. The course provides students with an ideal opportunity to focus on the issues relating to animal welfare, health, physiology and behaviour. This work is underpinned by current and emerging scientific research.

The course will prepare you for a wide range of careers throughout the animal industry. The first year of the course provides the underpinning knowledge necessary for study in this field. Several of these modules are shared with the Foundation Degree course routes with separate tutorial sessions providing the opportunity for stronger academic and research focus. The themes of animal behaviour and welfare are further developed in the second year of the course. Students will also have the option to choose one module from animals in society, international wildlife conservation or professional practice.

Learning Environment:

Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and workshops.

Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.

Assessment:

Students will complete a variety of assessments including examinations and tests, practical assessments, essays, presentations, reports and group work.

The final year of the course includes the carrying out of a comprehensive industry related research project. The focus in the other modules is on applied research techniques, behavioural ecology and companion animal behaviour.

Progression:

On successful completion of the course, students may apply for postgraduate study programmes such as MSc, M Phil, PhD or PGCE.

What careers can you follow?

Graduates will be in a position to apply for posts in the animal and related industries with examples of possible careers including:

• Training assistance dogs
• Welfare inspectors
• Zoological education/research/keeping
• Research and development
• Local authority/Defra/HM customs animal welfare officers
• Pet behaviour advisors